This half term our focus in Science is Rocks. Year 3 have been working collaboratively to explore the appearance and properties of a range of rock samples.

After making detailed and systematic observations and using their every growing scientific vocabulary to describe the samples, the first experiment involved making a prediction about which rock would be the hardest. Year 3 discussed how they would find this out and decided that a fair test would be necessary.

Please talk to Year 3 to find out more about a fair test and also the results of their enquiry. Next week Year 3 will be performing the water test with their rock samples.

This week Year 3 took a trip back in time and became archaeologists for the day.  In the morning we looked at how we find out about the past from the artefacts left behind. Year 3 had to work together and be very gentle to excavate the artefacts from the sand.After  brushing them clean , we had to decide whether they were from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age or another time period.  Once we had done this we set up our museum display in chronological order.

In the afternoon we had the chance to experience what it might be like to live as a hunter-gatherer.  We made an arrow using a flint arrow head, a stick and some string.  Next we had a go at making flour from seeds, this was hard work and took over an hour and a half to get less than half a cup of flour fine enough to use.  We also had the chance to weave and use a spindle to spin wool.  Our last activity was to make a bracelet using animal teeth and beads. Year 3 were able to take their bracelets home 🙂

We had a great day experiencing life as it might possibly have been back in the Stone Age period.

What an exciting start to the new school year. There have been lots of new and different things for Year 3 to get used to. From having their own lockers, an upstairs classroom, new teachers, a later break and lunchtime, and also buying their own fruit.  Everyone is getting used to the new routines. Please talk to your child about these changes and if there are any worries or questions please raise them with either Miss Groom or Miss Spoor.

Our new topic for this half term is called Tribal Tales where Year 3 will be learning all about changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. This week the class have been formulating questions to guide our research.

SPOILER alert! Next week Y3 will be taking part in a Stone Age learning experience day in their classroom on Friday. First taking on the role as an archaeologist and then having a go at grinding flour and weaving just like Stone Age people.

As the start of our new topic ‘Flow’, Year 3 visited Beacon Park, Lichfield. We had a great day with Ruth the Ranger observing, sampling and measuring Lemonsley Brook.  After meeting Ruth, we split into three groups and started our activities.  Those of us with wellies on were allowed into the brook to help Miss Groom measure the width and depth of the brook. We then had to measure the temperature of the water and the last part was the most fun.  To measure how fast the brook was flowing we played the traditional game of Pooh Sticks with dog biscuits because they float and are also kind to the environment. Those without wellies timed them to see how fast the dog biscuits took to travel down river.  We also measured how clean the water was, as this would tell us how well the plant would grow.  The more circles we could see at the bottom of the container, the cleaner the water was.

Next, we went pond dipping with Ruth to take samples of the different creatures living in the brook.  We managed to catch and observe a few creatures. Basil even caught a fish! This proves how clean the water is in Lemonsley Brook. We dragged a net in the water and then emptied our nets into a tray, we then used an identification chart to help us identify the things we had caught.  It was great fun and really interested to see what lives below the surface of the water.

Miss Akers and her group looked at the trees along the river bank and identified them from our key.  There were eight different trees alongside the river. Why not ask Year 3 to see if they can name them?

As the topic of Gods & Mortals is coming to an end, this week Y3 have looked at the print called Icarus by Henry Matisse. Matisse was a French artist known for his use of colour.

Icarus was the son of Daedalus who dared to fly too close to the sun on wings of feathers and wax. Icarus and Daedalus had been imprisoned by King Minos on Crete. Icarus attempted to use the wings to escape but unfortunately failed and plunged into the sea below.

Year 3 used a collage technique to recreate their own versions of Matisse’s famous print.

Capacity has been the focus for our Maths learning this week. Y3 started off by ordering and estimating how much water each container would hold.  Each team then worked collaboratively to use the measuring cylinders to find out how accurate their estimates were.

Following on from this Y3 have been able to apply their new learning to a range of problem solving activities.